Nairobi and Munich Awarded Athletics Championships
The World Athletics Council selected the cities to host the global track and field events in 2029 and 2031.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Running
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World Athletics has officially awarded the 2029 World Athletics Championships to Nairobi and the 2031 event to Munich. The decision follows a selection process focused on government financial guarantees, budgets, and the potential for regional sport growth.
Why it matters
These host city selections represent a strategic push by World Athletics to expand the geographical footprint of its flagship events. By awarding bids to Nairobi, the organization is highlighting the sport growth potential in regions that have historically faced challenges with doping oversight.
Nairobi, the 2029 host, sits at an altitude of 1,612 metres. Meanwhile, the 2026 World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen feature 65,000 total runners, including 496 athletes competing in the elite category.
The players
World Athletics
This is the international governing body for the sports of athletics, covering track and field, cross country running, road running, and race walking.
Athletics Integrity Unit
This independent body was established in 2017 to manage all integrity-related matters in athletics, particularly in the area of anti-doping.
World Athletics Council
This is the primary decision-making body of the organization, consisting of 26 elected members who determine host city selections and policy.
The details
The selection of the host cities for 2029 and 2031 was confirmed by the 26-member World Athletics Council. Nairobi was selected for the 2029 championships, while Munich was chosen for the 2031 event, building on the ongoing development of the global athletics calendar.
Timeline
September 16, 2026: World Athletics Council announced host cities for 2029 and 2031.
September 20-21, 2026: World Road Running Championships take place in Copenhagen.
2029: Nairobi will host the World Athletics Championships.
2030: World Athletics will hold a separate marathon championship event.
Season Trajectory
The selection of Nairobi marks a departure from historical venue patterns, positioning the city to influence the future competitive balance of distance running. This shift mirrors the broader evolution of the sport as World Athletics looks to institutionalize marathon championships starting in 2030.
The selection ensures that elite distance athletes will need to prepare for the specific challenges of running at 1,612 metres altitude in Nairobi by 2029. Fans can track the impact of these venue choices on athlete eligibility and performance statistics as the Athletics Integrity Unit continues its monitoring.
The takeaway
These host city designations signal a significant expansion for global athletics into new high-altitude and regional markets. Athletes and organizers must now align their long-term training and logistical plans with these diverse international locations.
What happens next
World Athletics is expected to confirm the host city for the first separate marathon championship, with Athens currently under consideration for the 2030 event.
Further reading
Explore more developments on the international circuit in the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Irish Times.
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